Nectarines

Nectarines are slightly sweeter than its first cousin the peach and darker fleshed, without the peaches’ hair! Nectarines are a sweet juicy treat that is virtually fat free and a good supply of vitamin C and fibre.

The name is derived from the word “nectar” which is Greek for drink of the Gods!

Plums

The European plum has been cultivated since ancient times and probably originated in central or south-eastern Europe. The Greeks imported plums from Syria and they were later introduced to northern Europe by the Romans. The common European plum, Prunica domestica, is closely related to the cherry and is a member of the rose family!

Plums are a good source of potassium, fibre and vitamins A and C. They are rich in antioxidants and also contain the amino acid tryptophan which is used by the body to produce the neurotransmitter serotonin. Indeed Plums are being heralded as the new 'super-food' by scientists. They found the purple fruit matched or exceeded blueberries in antioxidants and phytonutrients, which help prevent disease.

Willams pears - golden yellow or red-tinged, juicy and sweet but with a firm texture, good for cooking.

With a long, thin shape and russet skin, Conference pears have very sweet and juicy flesh.

Comice is a French variety viewed by many to be the best pear. Tender, aromatic and richly-flavoured.